Mindfulness offers a pause, a reset, and an alternate way of seeing ourselves and our environment by stepping out of ‘doing’ and into ‘being.’Īs such, the mind can do more than merely think – it can be aware of its thinking. 30).Īfter all, while we cannot stop the triggering of unhappy or upsetting memories, judgmental ways of thinking, and the noise of negative self-talk, we can choose what happens next. Psychology shows that mindfulness can help us escape the vicious cycle of negative thinking, allowing us to “step outside the chattering negative self-talk” and our reactive impulses and emotions (Williams & Penman, 2016, p. Attitude – paying attention with an attitude of compassion and curiosity.Attention – training and grounding our mind in the present moment.Intention – how we use our heart as our compass, directing and reflecting our most profound hopes and values.Shapiro describes the three vital psychological elements of mindfulness as follows: It’s about how we pay attention” (Shapiro, 2020, p. Having extensively researched and written about mindfulness and how to conceptualize it, Shauna Shapiro says that “mindfulness isn’t just about paying attention. The idea that our brain is constantly changing throughout our lives means that our sense of happiness, contentment, and meaningful living, can be transformed through how we experience the present (Shapiro, 2020 Eysenck & Keane, 2015). Indeed, its effects are so rapid that even as few as five sessions of practice can lead to improvements in both the central and autonomic nervous systems-essential for regulating involuntary bodily functions, processing stress and danger, and the connection between our brain and our internal organs (Tang, 2018).ĭeeply ingrained in the idea and meaning of mindfulness is the recognition that we are far from being fixed in who we are-we are ‘ neuroplastic.’ This is how neuroscientists refer to our ability to learn, unlearn, and grow. While mindfulness has its origins in ancient Chinese medicine, in recent years, it has been widely integrated into modern western therapies for treating a broad range of psychological and physiological conditions (Tang, 2018).Īfter all, “mindfulness training can improve mental activity and change brain connectivity and bodily processes”, writes Professor of Psychological Science and Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University, Yi-Yuan Tang (Tang, 2018, p. And research backs up anecdotal evidence that obtaining a mindful brain can lead to a happier and more productive life (Shapiro, 2020 Williams & Penman, 2016). When used as a verb, for example, “to be mindful,” it points to entering that state, practicing a way of being, a moment-by-moment gentle and nurturing awareness of our emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations. When used as a noun, mindfulness typically suggests a state of mind: one of calmness, gratitude, and compassion that can have a profound effect on us. Its definition aligns with its purpose, to help us see more clearly, respond more effectively to what life throws at us, and ultimately make wiser choices (Shapiro, 2020). Mindfulness, or sampajañña in Pali–one of the major languages of the Buddhist scriptures–means clear comprehension. Mindfulness and Psychology – Practical Applications.Mindfulness and Positive Psychology: What Are the Links?.A Look at the Psychology of Mindfulness.These science-based, comprehensive exercises will help you cultivate a sense of inner peace throughout your daily life and will also give you the tools to enhance the mindfulness of your clients, students, or employees. We look at the meaning by mindfulness, its psychology, and its application across our life domains.īefore you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Mindfulness Exercises for free. How does it influence and benefit both our psychological and physiological wellbeing? Nevertheless, it is vital that we understand the meaning and science behind mindfulness. The benefits of mindfulness are widely known.Ī quick internet search highlights its incredible potential for improving how we cope with stress, set goals, manage symptoms of depression, and even find meaning and fulfillment in life (Sevinc et al., 2018 Ivtzan, Chan, Gardner, & Prashar, 2011).įurthermore, the claims are backed up by well-thought-out and repeatable research studies (Shapiro, 2020).
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